PLYMOUTH, N.H. – The Vermont State University Castleton women's volleyball team came up short in Saturday's conference matchup, falling 3-0 to the Plymouth State Panthers at Foley Gymnasium.  
 
The Basics
Final Score: Plymouth State 3, VTSU Castleton 0
Location: Foley Gymnasium – Plymouth, N.H.
Records: Plymouth State 13-5, 3-1 LEC | VTSU Castleton 9-10, 0-3 LEC
 
How It Happened
In the opening frame, Castleton struggled to establish momentum. The Spartans managed just nine kills to 10 errors, resulting in a -.020 hitting percentage. Despite the early offensive woes, sophomore setter Alondra Rojas worked hard to generate chances, dishing out six assists in the first set, closing in on beating the program record for career assists. Jocelyn Ray notched four kills and a block assist to protect the net, but the Panther's attack led by Sya McKay proved difficult to contain. Plymouth State closed out the set 25-14.
 
Set two saw noticeable improvement from the Spartans, both in execution and strategy. Castleton hit .103 in the set, with 12 kills and just eight errors, as Rojas continued to lead the offense with consistent ball movement. Brianna Walsh began to find her rhythm, tallying four kills in the set, while Olivia Smith added two of her own. Walsh also chipped in defensively with several digs, and libero, Nicolette Vaughn, made some sprawling saves to extend rallies. Still, Plymouth State remained efficient, committing only one attack error and hitting an impressive .351. Despite a 3-0 Castleton run, the Panthers never let go of their lead, taking the second set 25-17.
 
The third set was Castleton's most competitive of the afternoon. The Spartans battled point-for-point with the Panthers early on, thanks to strong attacking from Ray and good serving from Rojas. Kaitlyn Chapman and Lilli Burrows both contributed on the outside with four and three kills apiece. Defensively, Rojas and Vaughn anchored the backcourt, while Madison Sheehan notched a block and helped slow down Plymouth's attack. Still trailing, Castleton mounted a late push which proved to be unsuccessful. The Panthers responded with two blocks and two kills from McKay and Ella Koelb to seal the 25-21 win to complete the sweep.
 
 
By the Numbers

• Walsh posted six kills, 15 digs, and three service aces.
• Rojas extends her double double streak, recording 25 assists and 17 digs.
• Castleton totaled 33 kills and 69 digs with a .021 hitting percentage.

What's Next
The Spartans return home for a midweek non-conference matchup against Russell Sage College on October 15 at 6 PM inside Glenbrook Gym.